Devotion
God Hires His Own Employees
David Jacobs
I was often an unruly child. I would fight with my siblings, talk back to my parents, lie about childish things and be about as imperfect as children are supposed to be as we learn life's important lessons.
My parents had tried everything to keep my three brothers and me in line; groundings, confiscation of favorite toys, cancelling exciting plans. These acts of discipline often seemed to provide temporary fixes to the problems that a household of boys provided.
One Sunday morning, as we prepared for church, my parents asked my brothers and me if we had cleaned our teeth after breakfast. I wanted 5 more minutes in front of the television so I lied and said I had. My parents knew I wasn't telling the truth because I hadn't moved since I crawled out of bed to enjoy weekend cartoons. My mother was furious: "how dare I lie about such a trivial thing?"
But my father stayed calm and enacted wisdom that I will never forget. Instead of shouting or losing his temper, he told me "Today you will confess to Pastor Chris. You will tell him that you lied to your parents, fought with your brothers and made back chat." Pastor Chris was such a pure, positive and thoughtful man. The thought of him knowing that I misbehaved made me feel a deep sadness. I turned to see Pastor Chris walking in my direction, eyes fixed on me, but he didn't seem mad. He explained that my parents had told him that I had some confessions to make. I said I was too embarrassed, that I didn't want to look bad in front of him and God. He laughed and probed me to keep talking.
I said, "You are a kind, patient and friendly person. And God created me, provides for me and keeps me safe."
He smiled, patted me on the head and said 'Does that not describe your parents, too?' and with that, he walked off, leaving me to reflect.
How embarrassed was I that I felt no shame in the way I had behaved for my parents, those who were doing God's work without a robe or veil?
It is almost impossible to overstate the importance of our pastors, ministers and missionaries (and anyone else who also helps keep the gospel of peace).
Prayer
They are our anchors in spreading the word of Christ, the compass that navigates others to salvation and the boat that carries us from sin.
Devotion
Allowing The Scriptures
To bring Joy To My Life
Frances Taylor
The beginning of Luke's Gospel has always been one of my favorite readings. It makes me feel confident that I can believe what I have been taught. It also gives me peace because I know that God's promise has been fulfilled. We have been set free from fear. Of course, we will know fear of the unknown in this unpredictable world, but not fear of death because we can be sure that death is not the end, only the beginning of a new life. Otherwise, how could we continue to experience happiness and joy in the face of suffering? This freedom of fear, this belief in the good news – this Gospel message – is what made the early Christians so willing to face suffering in the name of Jesus. It is what motivated them to spread the good news to anyone who would listen. Is our world any less in need of the Gospel than theirs? I doubt it. Considering how we work so hard to be happy! How hard we work to avoid pain or suffering! So ...
Morning Prayer
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?
Inspiration
Many wish to go to a multitude of other sources to find direction in life, especially in times of trouble. In Isaiah's day, many turned to wizards and those involved in the occult, and many still do today. But God's people should reject these methods and turn "to the Law and to the testimony. " (verse 20)
Prayer
We dare not trust the world of darkness, but we put our trust in you alone, O Lord, as our source of wisdom for life. We know that Satan himself appears like an angel of light to better deceive many, and that false religions are full of doctrines of devils and sacrifices to devils, though the participants mostly are unaware of it. Only in your Word do we find the true light that will guide us through even the most trying of times. Amen.
